Study Desk

After saying hello to them, Paul told of what God had done through his work for the people who were not Jews.

As for the people who are not Jews, we wrote to them. We said that they must keep away from everything that has been given to gods. They must not eat blood or meat from animals that have been killed in ways against the Law. They must keep away from sex sins."

The next day Paul took the men. He went through the religious worship of washing with them. They went into the house of God to tell when their religious worship of washing would be finished. Then the gift for each one of them would be given as an act of worship.

"I am a Jew. I was born in the city of Tarsus in the country of Cilicia. When I was a young man, I lived here in Jerusalem. I went to Gamaliel's school and learned all about the Law of our early fathers. I worked hard for God as you all do today.

What are you waiting for? Get up! Be baptized. Have your sins washed away by calling on His name.'

The next day they took off the chains that were holding Paul. The captain wanted to know why the Jews wanted to kill him. So the captain told the head religious leaders to gather for their court. They brought Paul and put him in front of them.

Paul looked straight at the court and said, "Brother Jews, I have lived for God with a heart that has said I am not guilty to this day."

Do not let them talk you into it. More than forty men are waiting in secret to kill him. They have promised each other not to eat or drink anything until they have killed him. They are all waiting for you to say the word."

Get horses ready for Paul to ride. Take him to Felix, the leader of the people."

I learned they were holding him because of something about their Law. There was no reason for him to be killed or to be put in prison.

In every way and in every place, we thank you for all of this.

Then Felix, the leader of the people, told Paul to speak. Paul said, "I know that you have been a leader of this nation for many years. I am happy to be able to speak for myself.

I trust God for the same things they are looking for. I am looking for the dead to rise, both those right with God and the sinful.

He told the soldier to watch Paul, but to let him come and go as much as he wanted to. Paul's friends were to be able to come and care for him.

Some days later Felix came again. His Jewish wife Drusilla was with him. He sent for Paul and heard him talk about faith in Christ Jesus.

Paul spoke about being right with God. He spoke about being the boss over our own desires. He spoke about standing before One Who will tell us if we are guilty. When Felix heard this, he became afraid and said, "Go now. I will send for you when it is a better time."

He was hoping that Paul would give him money so he could go free. For that reason he kept sending for Paul and talking to him.

They asked Festus for a favor. They wanted Paul to be brought to Jerusalem because they had plans to kill him on the way.

After staying with them about ten days, Festus went down to Caesarea. The next day he sat in the courtroom and asked for Paul to be brought in.

Paul spoke for himself, saying, "I have done nothing wrong against the Law of the Jews or against the house of God or against Caesar."